“Leadership involves getting personal… A job is more than just a paycheck.” It’s all about your dignity.”
Context
The quote of the week comes from Joe Biden, former US President. He spoke to thousands of HR professionals in San Diego at the annual Society for Human Resource Management Conference, where he discussed leadership, empathy, and workplace dignity.
In a speech that combined personal stories and professional insights, Biden compared the presidency to being “chief people officers” and encouraged HR leaders to promote compassion as an imperative for leadership. Biden’s remarks come at a time when the emotional intelligence and leadership of corporate leaders are under renewed scrutiny. There is also growing concern over how AI and economic pressures are changing workplace culture and morale.
Biden’s remarks served as a timely and important reminder to many attendees that HR is more than just a job, but also a force of humanity.
The word “meaning” is used to describe the meaning of the phrase
Biden’s quotation brings to light a truth about leadership that is often forgotten but has lasted for centuries:
- People seek more than just a salary: They also want respect, meaning and emotional security in their work.
- Empathy is an important leadership quality: Leaders that connect with individuals will be more likely to create trust and psychological security.
- Dignity is important: The way people are treated in the workplace has a direct effect on their well-being and engagement over time.
Biden’s “getting personal” approach to leadership rejects the old adage, that business was not personal. He argues that all business, particularly when people are involved, is personal.
The Implications
Biden’s remarks are widely echoed, even in the UK where HR professionals are still navigating major changes in the workplace:
Work/life boundaries: As hybrid and flexible work continues to evolve, the way organisations handle family commitments is a litmus-test for true inclusion.
Cultural Leadership: Treating dignity as a core values — not only an ethical nicety – can drive engagement, decrease attrition, and foster high performance cultures.
Mental Health and Wellbeing: Allowing employees to be human, with all their empathy and vulnerability at work, supports morale and productivity.
Biden’s message could be a powerful counterpoint for UK employers to the more transactional and output-driven management approaches. This message echoes wider efforts to embed human-centred management, whether it is through mental health support or coaching-styled management.
HRreview attended the CIPD Festival of Work, held in London, just days before Biden delivered his speech in the US. Similar themes were prominent there as well. Modern leadership is built on empathy, connection and mutual trust. This applies to any country or context.
